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Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Champions League Decider at the City Ground

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Table of Contents

A Winner-Takes-All Showdown

The Premier League season reaches its climax this Sunday as Nottingham Forest host Chelsea in a high-stakes clash that will decide Champions League qualification. With both teams locked in a fierce battle for European glory, the City Ground will host a match where every moment matters.

Match Preview: A Season on the Line

Nottingham Forest have defied expectations this season, rising from a relegation scare last term to challenge for the top four. Currently third on 47 points, a victory could secure their first Champions League spot since 1995—but they’ll rely on results from Newcastle and Aston Villa to stay ahead.

Chelsea enter the game in fourth place with 43 points. A win guarantees their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, while a draw or loss could relegate them to the Europa League. The Blues have shown resilience with five wins in six matches, though injuries and suspensions test their depth.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Champions League Decider at the City Ground

Key Players to Watch

Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest): The 23-year-old winger has been pivotal with 6 goals and 11 assists (third in the league). His pace (36.66 km/h) and set-piece expertise will test Chelsea’s defense.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Chelsea’s creative engine with 15 direct goal involvements. Must lead the attack without suspended striker Nicolas Jackson.
Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest): The goalkeeper’s 13 clean sheets and 78% save rate make him crucial against Chelsea’s attack.

Tactical Battles

Forest will exploit their league-leading set-piece threat, targeting Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities. Elanga and Chris Wood (20 goals) pose a dual threat. Chelsea’s high-press tactics under Enzo Maresca aim to disrupt Forest’s buildup, but their error-prone defense must contain Wood’s aerial dominance.

Injury and Suspension Updates

Chelsea: Missing Nicolas Jackson (3-match ban) and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension). Christopher Nkunku returns from injury but is not fully fit.
Nottingham Forest: No major absences. Morgan Gibbs-White returns after a suspension.

How to Watch

Date/Time	Sunday, May 25 \| 4:00 PM BST (9:00 AM ET)
Venue	City Ground, Nottingham
Broadcast	UK: Sky Sports Main Event US: Peacock Germany: Sky Sport Bundesliga

Prediction

A tense encounter with both teams needing maximum points. Forest’s home advantage and set-piece prowess edge them to a narrow 2-1 victory, sending them back to the Champions League for the first time in 30 years.